Dramatic ICTSI Splendido triumph for Lascuña

LAUREL, Batangas, Philippines — In yet another impressive show of lasting talent and resolve, Tony Lascuña captured the ICTSI Splendido Taal Championship by one stroke over a late-charging Keanu Jahns.

Despite facing tough and demanding challenges, Lascuña showcased his exceptional skill, finishing with a brilliant chip shot for a tap-in par on the 72nd hole, securing him a 71 and a 13-under 275 total and thwarting Jahns’ hopes of forcing a playoff.

The Fil-German had earlier staged a fiery comeback from five strokes down with a solid 67 in a flight ahead of the championship group, assembling a four-day total of 12-under 276 while aiming to force a sudden death with a potential Lascuña mishap on the final hole as erstwhile contender Lloyd Go hobbled in the closing holes and faded.

But Lascuña wouldn’t be shaken.

Coming short of the par-4 18th, Lascuña twice tracked down the line to the hole, then confidently chipped to within two feet. As soon as he drained the putt, he pumped the air with full-fisted glee, underscoring the 53-year-old veteran’s superiority. His ability to rise above adversity and secure another victory stands as a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to the sport.

“Piniga ko talaga yung chip shot at putt. I knew I needed a par to win,” said Lascuña, whose victory, worth P360,000, transformed a challenging week of golf at one of the country’s toughest courses into an inspiring win. It ended a series of Top 5 finishes in the first half of the 10-leg PGT season and highlighted the enduring success of his golf career.

“Considering my age and the rise of young talents, I thought I might not win again,” said Lascuña in Pilipino, who had yielded 20-30 yards in length against his younger rivals.